Daizen Maeda’s electrifying performance in Sunday’s Glasgow Derby has earned him a spot in the SPFL’s Team of The Week.
The Celtic winger made an immediate impact in the high-stakes match, scoring within the first 21 seconds. His goal, a swift and somewhat fortuitous result of relentless pressing came after Rangers’ James Tavernier’s attempted clearance rebounded off Maeda and flew past goalkeeper Jack Butland.
🌟 @CelticFC's Daizen Maeda has been named as Star Man in the SPFL #TOTW!
Read more 👉 https://t.co/MgM2Imuotx#cinchSPFL | @cinchuk pic.twitter.com/69829SoeVh
— SPFL (@spfl) April 9, 2024
Throughout the match, Maeda was a constant thorn in the side of Tavernier, outpacing and outmanoeuvring the Rangers full-back, which significantly curtailed the latter’s ability to contribute to Rangers’ attacks.
Maeda’s intense energy not only led to the earliest goal of the game but also set the tone for Celtic’s aggressive play style in the first half.
Moreover, Maeda’s defensive contributions were just as vital; he topped the match stats with the most tackles, numbering five.
His all-around performance on both ends of the pitch was instrumental in disrupting Rangers’ rhythm and has rightly placed him in the spotlight of Scottish football’s weekly honours.
